On Childhood Brain Cancer Awareness Day 26 September, Cancer Australia and The Kids’ Cancer Project have partnered to raise community awareness of all childhood brain cancers, with a special focus this year on ependymoma.
Childhood Brain Cancer Awareness Day brings together key childhood and brain cancer groups, non-Government organisations and charities to work cohesively to increase research funding and improve outcomes for childhood brain cancer.
Brain cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in Australian children. In 2020, it is estimated that 104 children aged 0 – 14 years will be diagnosed with brain cancer.
Ependymoma is a form of cancer which affects the ependymal cells, which line the fluid areas of the brain (called the ventricles) and spinal cord. Childhood ependymoma compromises approximately 8% of all childhood brain and spinal cord tumours diagnosed in Australia.
Improving outcomes for people with brain cancer is a high priority for the Australian Government, shown through the announcement of the Australian Brain Cancer Mission in October 2017.
The Mission seeks to double survival rates and improve quality of life of people living with brain cancer over the 10 years to 2027, with the longer term aim of defeating brain cancer.
By funding new initiatives, we move closer every day to finding a cure.
For more information on childhood brain cancers and much more about cancer in children, visit our new Children’s Cancer website.